FAQ

FAQs on Ghana

Do I need a visa to travel to Ghana?

Required for all non-ECOWAS citizens via Ghana High Commission in home country or Ghanaian Embassies or Consulates. Visas need to be obtained before arriving, these allow for a stay of up to 60 days and can be a single or multiple entry. A yellow fever certificate may be required for the application. Visas must be used within three months of the date of issue.

Is tipping customary in Ghana?

Tipping isn’t mandatory or customary in Ghana, however tipping restaurant and bar staff to show your appreciation for good service is considered polite.

What is the internet access like in Ghana?

Travellers will be able to access the internet at hotels and cyber cafés in Ghana’s large cities and towns frequented by tourists. Expect little to no internet access in remote and rural areas.

Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in Ghana?

Mobile phone coverage is generally available in Ghana’s large cities and tourist towns. Rural and remote areas may have less network coverage. Remember to activate global roaming with your service provider before leaving home. Alternatively, you can buy a GSM chip when you arrive in Ghana.

What are the toilets like in Ghana?

Ghana has a mix of squat toilets and flushable toilets. As a developing nation, expect to adjust to different levels of sanitation. Always carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer as these are rarely provided.

Can I drink the water in Ghana?

Tap water isn’t considered safe for visitors to drink. A variety of certified bottled water is readily available to buy. Ask your leader and accommodation provider for local advice on where drinking water can be accessed. Also, avoid ice in drinks and wash and peel fruit before eating.

Are credit cards widely accepted in Ghana?

Credit cards are used in Ghana, but not all establishments will accept them. Large hotels, restaurants, some major shopping centers, and tourist service providers usually accept credit cards, but expect small operators and shops to insist on cash only. Credit card fraud is quite common in Ghana, so take necessary precautions when paying with plastic.

What is ATM access like in Ghana?

ATMs are relatively easy to find in Ghana’s cities and areas frequented by tourists. If travelling through rural and remote areas, be aware that there will be limited access to ATMs. Visa cards are generally the best choice, since other international cards may not be accepted by ATMs in Ghana.

Ghana has all year tropical climate — hot and humid in the north and in the forest lands of the Ashanti and south-west plains. There are two rainy seasons in Ghana: from March to July and from September to October. Average annual temperature is 27°C and can go up to 38°C in the north. The coast has refreshing winds.

Ghana is fine to visit at all times of the year, but if you have the choice, aim for the northern hemisphere winter i.e. October through to April, when humidity is lowest and the weather is typically quite dry. There are also fewer mosquitoes (thus a decreased risk of contracting malaria), dirt roads are in better condition, and there is less likelihood of you or your luggage being drenched in an unexpected storm. However, photographers might want to avoid the dull ambient light and grey skies associated with the Harmattan in December.

Required clothing

Light and loose is the way to go in this humid tropical climate. Bring along light trousers or skirts made of a natural fabric such as cotton, a stash of cotton T-shirts, plenty of socks and underwear, also ideally must be made from natural fabrics to prevent fungal infections. Ghanaians are relatively relaxed about dress codes, but women should keep their shoulders covered and wear a skirt below the knees in the predominantly Muslim north. One sweater or sweatshirt should be adequate, since night time temperatures are seldom chilly. As for footwear, a good pair of walking shoes with solid ankle support is a must, but you’ll also want sandals or thongs. If you forget anything, don’t stress: affordable clothing of all types is readily available. Alternatively, affordable new clothes made from local fabrics can quickly be made to order. Don’t forget your sunglasses!